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visits from near relatives; friends as visitors were fewer in
number —rather less than half of both sexes (Table 3).
Few of the old people appeared to have any contact with
outside social organisations such as old people's clubs. About
three-quarters of both sexes had no such link and, since the
majority of these people were ambulant, there appears to be
virtually no diminution in the need for further development of
clubs which must be an integral part of any scheme for the care
and welfare of the aged (Table 4).
It was found that reading and radio were the main forms of
recreation (Table 5). The proportion of women who engaged
in needlework or knitting was small, partly, perhaps, because of
failing eyesight (5 per cent, of both sexes were blind or nearly
so, 70 per cent, sought advice for failing sight and 4 per cent,
could not read). There was little mention of home activity
and, though possibly there was some understatement due to
indifference, there is an indication that many of these people
have become apathetic and need stimulation of interest. Cinemagoers
were few, but television sets were more common than
in previous surveys (11 per cent, of men and 13 per cent, of
women compared with 3 per cent, for both sexes in 1951)
(Table 6).
Assistance and Meals.
The amount of domestic assistance given either by home
helps or by relatives and friends was assessed. The home helps
do general cleaning in all cases, some shopping, a little cooking
and some light washing : carrying coals and lighting fires form
an important duty. The average period of service was 4.8 hours
weekly, but assistance from relatives and friends was limited
mainly to shopping and companionship.
In those instances where relatives gave no assistance, nearly
one-half lived too far away; one-third were too preoccupied
with their own affairs, and one tenth were ill or too old. Only
one relative could, but would not help.
An attempt was made to assess the additional services
which were most badly needed. Most of the complaints had
an economic background—higher pensions; cheaper fuel,
milk and transport. Only a few requested more home help
hours or week-end service. Some wanted to be visited or to be
taken out, and it was clear that many of those who were confined
to the house would have been most grateful for an occasional
car outing or a visit to a club. Complaints about housing were
few : they related mainly to the inconvenience of living upstairs.
Two-thirds of the old people had no " grumble " at all.